Explore 14 local nonprofit organizations offering volunteer opportunities in Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs. The list is not comprehensive and features organizations across animal services, child empowerment and human services, including:

• RED Arena, which empowers children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapies

• PAWS Shelter of Central Texas, a no-kill rescue in Hays County and surrounding areas

• Austin Angels, which supports children and families experiencing foster care

• Con Mi MADRE, which partners with school districts to prepare young Latinas for college

• Education Connection, providing reading support to public school students

• Foster Village, bridging the gap between people experiencing foster care and those who want to help

• LifeWorks, serving youth and young families with housing, mental health and education services

• Central Texas Food Bank, a hunger-relief nonprofit supporting food-insecure individuals

• Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, providing musicians with access to affordable health and wellness services

• The SAFE Alliance, which provides safety, stability and healing to anyone who has experienced violence and abuse

Teso X, a brand under Teso Group, plans to open a retail shop at Barton Creek Square, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation project filing.

The details: Teso X is known for its collection of blind boxes, plushies, figurines and building sets. Teso Group has several brands that sell Asian cosmetics, snacks, home goods and toys.

The shop will be located on the upper level of Barton Creek Square. A representative for the business did not immediately respond to inquiries about the shop's estimated opening, but the TDLR filing lists a projected January completion date.

• 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin

Chief Fire Marshal Gary Howell lifted the burn ban for unincorporated Travis County Nov. 3, citing rainfall. The ban had been in place since Aug. 11.

What residents should know: The change only applies to unincorporated areas of the county, where state rules allow residents to burn certain items during daylight hours with someone attending at all times. Inside city limits, local rules still apply: Open burning is banned in Austin year-round, and Bee Cave, Lakeway and Pflugerville require permits.

Sorting out details: In unincorporated areas, residents may burn brush, leaves and other plant growth from their own property. They may burn household trash only at homes without trash collection service.

Tires, furniture, carpet, appliances and non-wood construction debris cannot be burned. Residents should contact their local fire department first and obtain any required permits.

Check out the latest transportation project updates across the Austin metro.

Ongoing projects

Kohlers Crossing water line project

Project: Crews will install a 24-inch water transmission line in Kyle from the FM 1626 tanks on the north side of the bridge over the train tracks to the water well at the corner of Benner Road and Kohlers Crossing.

Update: The right lane of westbound traffic on Kohlers Crossing between FM 1626 and Benner Road was closed on Sept. 21. The lane closure is expected to last through December.

• Timeline: August 2026-April 2027

• Cost: $6.4 million-$7 million

• Funding source: 2025 Certificates of Obligation Bonds

Completed projects

Wyoming Springs Drive extension

Project: The project includes construction of a four-lane divided roadway in Round Rock with shared-use paths, extending over Brushy Creek from Creek Bend Boulevard to Old Settlers Boulevard.

Update: The roadway opened to traffic Oct. 22.

• Timeline: November 2024-October 2026

• Cost: $29.7 million

• Funding sources: city of Round Rock, Williamson County

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, the longest-serving woman and Black legislator in Texas history, said she has the votes to become Texas House speaker when the legislature convenes in January.

What to know: Thompson released a list Nov. 6 of 90 House members whom she said pledged to support her speaker candidacy.

The 87-year-old was first elected to the legislature in 1972 and took office the following year. She would become the first woman and the first Black lawmaker to serve as Texas House speaker.

The context: Thompson's candidacy comes after Democrats swept Texas' statewide seats in the Nov. 3 election, ending 24 years of Republican dominance. Rep. Eddie Morales, D-Eagle Pass, threw his hat in the ring for speaker on Nov. 5 before endorsing Thompson less than a day later.

Quote of note: "I know that with the colleagues that are being sent to the legislature, both Democrats and Republicans working together, we can make a difference in the state of Texas and the lives of the people that we represent," Thompson said.